Are these these 12 x 36 IS Canon binoculars really effective for night use to look at stars and the moon, or is there a better recommedation in the same price range
43650
Just last week I was able to pick out 3 of Jupiter's moons under city lights with these. Although I couldn't make out any banding, I could clearly tell that Jupiter was not just a point of light. I expect Saturn will look slightly oblong, but I doubt the rings will show up distinctly. Orion and the Pleiades looked impressive with the wider field of view than what my telescope gives me. Open clusters looked good as well. They're far more convenient than hauling out a telescope, but there are large trade offs vs a decent 6 or 8" dob telescope that will run 1/2 the price. But then a telescope is useless during the day for birding or sports. Just last week I was able to pick out 3 of Jupiter's moons under city lights with these. Although I couldn't make out any banding, I could clearly tell that Jupiter was not just a point of light. I expect Saturn will look slightly oblong, but I doubt the rings will show up distinctly. Orion and the Pleiades looked impressive with the wider field of view than what my telescope gives me. Open clusters looked good as well. They're far more convenient than hauling out a telescope, but there are large trade offs vs a decent 6 or 8" dob telescope that will run 1/2 the price. But then a... » Read More Just last week I was able to pick out 3 of Jupiter's moons under city lights with these. Although I couldn't make out any banding, I could clearly tell that Jupiter was not just a point of light. I expect Saturn will look slightly oblong, but I doubt the rings will show up distinctly. Orion and the Pleiades looked impressive with the wider field of view than what my telescope gives me. Open clusters looked good as well. They're far more convenient than hauling out a telescope, but there are large trade offs vs a decent 6 or 8" dob telescope that will run 1/2 the price. But then a telescope is useless during the day for birding or sports. « Show Less
43651
I can't speak to the economics of it; but I was looking at the full moon last week and it was beautiful. I could certainly see details of the lunar landscape and stars are also clearly visible. I'm sure a telescope is more suitable for long term viewing; but for a 30 second look at the night sky, these will do the task. I would not buy binoculars for this purpose alone. I use them regularly for watching birds and took them to Africa where they were terrific for game watching.
43652
These binoculars certainly does not bring the stars as close as a good tripod mounted telescope would. There is no mounting socket for a tripod on the binoculars. The binoculars DO give you a very clear and steady view of the moon, or planes or other flying objects in the atmosphere. The length of time you can watch an object is determined by the amount of time your arms can hold the binoculars up.The binoculars DO NOT give you an IR (infrared) night view such a nightscope, such as the military nightscopes. I'm not familiar with the cost and efficiency of nightscopes, so I can't make any recommendations. These binoculars certainly does not bring the stars as close as a good tripod mounted telescope would. There is no mounting socket for a tripod on the binoculars. The binoculars DO give you a very clear and steady view of the moon, or planes or other flying objects in the atmosphere. The length of time you can watch an object is determined by the amount of time your arms can hold the binoculars up.The binoculars DO NOT give you an IR (infrared) night view such a nightscope, such as the military nightscopes. I'm not familiar with the cost and efficiency of nightscopes, so I can't... » Read More These binoculars certainly does not bring the stars as close as a good tripod mounted telescope would. There is no mounting socket for a tripod on the binoculars. The binoculars DO give you a very clear and steady view of the moon, or planes or other flying objects in the atmosphere. The length of time you can watch an object is determined by the amount of time your arms can hold the binoculars up.The binoculars DO NOT give you an IR (infrared) night view such a nightscope, such as the military nightscopes. I'm not familiar with the cost and efficiency of nightscopes, so I can't make any recommendations. « Show Less
1920021
I would use a telescope that is specifically for that. I have taken these things out to the mountains in southern New Mexico for star gazing and they did work well. The biggest challenge with these is that sometimes it is difficult for them to hold their focus.
1811015
These binoculars are quite good. I use it for astronomic observation, so I point it to the light. I think you will perform great with this binocular for dust. They have clear view and easy handling.
2138394
I tried them outside and I found that I could see objects very clearly at distances ranging from 6 feet to infinity. Those who have problems with their eyesight, however, might find that they are only good for either short or far distances. In my opinion, they would be useful at a live opera performance - as long as you make the modification I made with mine (see the instructions I inserted into my edited review today). Also keep in mind that the magnification, although useful, is not comparable to what you'd get with binoculars.
1159085
The site http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/25 has a very nice comparison of all of Canon's IS binoculars for stargazing. In summary, these are not the authors favorites (he prefers the 10x42 Ls or 15x50) but they will certainly work. I am considering these due to their combination of high magnification, decent (not great) optics, and light weight.By going to a telescope (and I mean a decent sized reflector, not a tiny $50 refractor from a department store) you are not necessarily getting a large increase in magnification; it depends on the eyepiece being used. But you are getting a lot more light gathering power to see faint objects. Many people into stargazing will have both binoculars and a larger telescope. The site http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/25 has a very nice comparison of all of Canon's IS binoculars for stargazing. In summary, these are not the authors favorites (he prefers the 10x42 Ls or 15x50) but they will certainly work. I am considering these due to their combination of high magnification, decent (not great) optics, and light weight.By going to a telescope (and I mean a decent sized reflector, not a tiny $50 refractor from a department store) you are not necessarily getting a large increase in magnification; it depends on the eyepiece being used. But you are... » Read More The site http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/25 has a very nice comparison of all of Canon's IS binoculars for stargazing. In summary, these are not the authors favorites (he prefers the 10x42 Ls or 15x50) but they will certainly work. I am considering these due to their combination of high magnification, decent (not great) optics, and light weight.By going to a telescope (and I mean a decent sized reflector, not a tiny $50 refractor from a department store) you are not necessarily getting a large increase in magnification; it depends on the eyepiece being used. But you are getting a lot more light gathering power to see faint objects. Many people into stargazing will have both binoculars and a larger telescope. « Show Less
1825475
I think they would be great. I love mine. I bought them specifically for bird watching and they are great, you can be just 5 feet away and still look at the birds even closer with those binoculars. They also have great magnification for longer distances and they are small and lightweight, which would be nice at the ballpark.
621869
Be aware These are not night vision binoculars. With that said, they do well in gathering light when it's dark since they have a large 50mm objective (the diameter of the large lenses at the front of the binoculars). Depending on how much available light there is you can see surprisingly well at night - even beyond what you can see with just your eyes. Try them when it's dark out and you'll see for yourself.
1159088
Although I am just in love with these binoculars, they are a little light in power magnification for star gazing. I could see the moon off of Jupiter with them, and the craters of the moon are great, but stars would need something more powerful.
622876
If viewing relatively fixed objects at long distances is all you want to do, a telescope would be better. For general use and very basic star gazing, these would be fine.
814096
I have input used these-so far-for viewing the night sky. The view of the moon was excellent. Of course it couldn't compare to viewing it with a telescope. I think these are a definitely a good value. I have no complaints with them. I also gave them as a gift and that person thinks the same. I hope this had helped you in some way.
1253192
As I understand the tradeoff, the 10x42 L model uses superior optical glass and because of this, images seen through it are virtually free of chromatic aberration ("purple fringing") and also devoid of ghost images when viewing bright objects at night such as the Moon and Jupiter. On the other hand the 15x50 model, whose optics are again of very high quality, but not quite as high as the 10x42L's, gives you a larger image size--each object is larger because magnification is 50 percent greater. This makes the choice difficult, even a toss-up. For a thoughtful comparison of the different Canon binoculars, go to www.garyseronik.com. Gary is an associate editor of Sky and Telescope magazine and he is an expert on binocular observing--has a book on the subject in fact.
1276455
I dont wanna be a negative Nelly here but these binoculars are not very clear or sharp at all.Maybe I just got a bum pair or something but I sent them back yesterday.Going with a different pair.So,to your question I would have to say NO from my experience.Good Luck.
2136161
I believe they are great for a "general purpose" set of binoculars. I have had a few sets in the past and believe these are great. I could not find anything better without spending a LOT more money.
977782
I have used this binoculars to stargazing...but's it's really not like a telescope. I use it mainly to watch birds.
840350
For the price I think that they are good binoculars... and if you do use them during the day the ocular cups are a real plus. All that being said, I did return the pair that I purchased and bought a pair of Swarovski EL Range's which are close to 6 times the price of the Steiners because I am very particular about my optics. Needless to say there is a difference in the clarity between the two but for causal use probably not worth plunking down the extra money. Keep in mind that if your primary use is going to be for astronomy I would make sure that you get a tripod adapter.
821502
It is best used for land gazing at night, not to be pointed at illuminated or lighted objects.A telescope would probably serve your purpose better.
311828
These will work fine. Because they are smaller, the field of view will be smaller. The object will be the same size, you just won't be able to see as much in the view as you would with bigger lens. Basically, these are as powerful as larger sized binoculars, you just don't get the field of view that you do in larger lens. Hope this helps